NIH Support for Scientific Conference – R13 Grant Application ABSTRACT The purpose of this application is to request financial support for the Cytokines 2021 Hybrid Meeting: 9th Annual Meeting of the International Cytokine & Interferon Society (ICIS), October 17-20, 2021 in Cardiff, Wales, UK with synchronous Virtual Meeting Platform including live streamed and on-demand access through November 10, 2021. This Annual Meeting helps bridge the gap between the scientists performing basic research on molecular and cellular mechanisms of immune cell activation and function with those working to develop this knowledge into novel therapies. Cytokines and interferons are potent effectors of an immune response and also are master regulators of many diverse physiologic processes. The focus of this meeting is to bring together scientists from diverse areas of biomedical research to discuss the latest breakthroughs and insights into how cytokines and interferons regulate immunity, inflammation, metabolism, and cancer. Greater understanding of mechanisms of disease and novel concepts for therapy have and will continue to emerge from multidisciplinary gatherings where advances can be presented and discussed by established and trainee scientists. It is our hope that attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how cytokines network together to maintain health and gain an appreciation for the many potential strategies for targeting the network to create better drugs. The meeting will provide an outstanding forum for investigators in basic science and clinical research to present their most recent findings on the role of cytokines (including interferons, chemokines, and various pro- inflammatory/anti-inflammatory factors) in infection, cancer, allergy and autoimmunity, as well as in various other inflammatory and immune diseases. The meeting will also provide an opportunity for updates on the development of novel therapeutic interventions in these fields and help spur international collaborations among the meeting participants. Online presentations will be intertwined with physical presentations and sessions including virtual interactions, live commentaries, online & video chat forums, webcast video presentations and opportunities for individual discussion. ICIS Meetings Committee and Council have decided that use of a customized Virtual Meeting Platform even after travel restrictions are relaxed, will make the Annual Meeting more inclusive and make the meetings more sustainable. It is the firm belief of the Co-Chairs and Local Organizing Committee (diversely composed of 5 scientists, 3 male and 2 female) that, by bringing together leaders, junior investigators, and trainees working in the area of Interferon and Cytokine research, this meeting will inspire important new avenues of investigation and will be of great benefit to the career development of promising young investigators and trainees in the cytokine biology field.